Minolta DIMAGE Scan Dual IV is stuck!

I was using a Minolta Dual IV when my computer locked-up (computers

lock-up eventually, that's ok). The problem is that now I can't get

the film holder out of the scanner. The manual says to turn off and

turn back on the scanner so that the holder is "automatically

ejected". Didn't work.

The eject button on the scanner does not work either.

I can't access the scanner software because the scanner only

initialize with the front door closed and the film holder is in the

way so I can't close the door.

I can't retrieve the holder manually since it would probably damage

the driving system.

What can I do?

Did anyone experienced this sort of problem? I know that the scanner

is not entirely guilty but couldn't it eject the holder with a manual

system? Is there another way to eject it?

I hope someone can help me deal with this problem.

Cheers.

first, check your USB cable.

Unplug scanner. turn computer off. plug in & power on scanner. hold down eject button. If it doesn't eject, Boot up computer, then hold down the eject button again. If it doesn't eject, start "DS 4 DUAL Utility", hopefully it will eject and tell you to close the door.

If that doesn't work, try the trial version of vuescan.

When you get the filmholder out, make sure the film is in properly, especially at the front end of the film holder (the upper door gets snagged on something inside the scanner if it's not in right).

I had this problem once, but I don't remember what solved it, I think I may have actually pulled the filmholder out slowly and gently with the scanner unplugged.

When that happened with the second scan of a brand new Minolta 5400II I decided to open it up and look inside (having communicated with the villains at Minolta). Two screws at the back of the scanner cover, warrenty or no warrenty.

The soft plastic mechanism inside was easily unjammed with the gentle push of a finger.

It seems that Minolta's scanners Jam a lot, huh?

Today I tried everything Trent suggested but only the last one worked: Gentle pulling the holder.

So it's working again.

Thank you so much for the support. I am really thankful for your support fellows.

All the best.